Summer is a popular time for vacation travel, and if you’re looking to squeeze in any last-minute trips, there’s a scam circulating that you need to be aware of. As the costs for everything from food to travel continue to rise, the logical step is to search for the best deals online to book a memorable trip without breaking your budget. Unfortunately, cybercriminals have noticed this trend. According to Booking.com, there has been a 500% to 900% increase in travel-related scams over the past 18 months, driven by a scarily convincing, AI-generated phishing email that can cost victims much more than their vacation fund.

Phishing emails have been around since the dawn of the Internet, but AI tools like ChatGPT are making it increasingly easy to create realistic and professional scam emails that are more likely to deceive readers. In the past, phishing emails were often riddled with red flags like spelling and grammatical errors. Now, with the rise of AI, cybercriminals can pump out dozens of seemingly legitimate emails that often go undetected by software and unsuspecting users.

As a savvy traveler or business professional, your goal is to enjoy a worry-free vacation without falling victim to cyber scams. However, the rise of AI-powered phishing emails presents a new challenge that could jeopardize your travel plans and financial security. By understanding these scams and taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated threats.

At NetWerks Strategic Services, we understand the evolving tactics of cybercriminals and the challenges they pose to travelers and businesses alike. Our mission is to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to stay safe while planning and enjoying your vacation, ensuring your personal and financial security.

How These Scams Work:

Scammers are using popular sites like Booking.com or Airbnb.com, where people list short-term rentals. They send out phishing emails offering incredible rates or time-sensitive deals on nonexistent properties. Once someone pays, the cybercriminals either disappear with the money, leaving the renter without a place to stay, or use follow-up emails to collect additional "fees" before vanishing.

These vacation-focused phishing scams are not new, but with AI, they have become far more convincing, leading to more victims.

What Can You Do?

To avoid being duped by these scams, consider the following steps:

  1. Use Two-Factor or Multifactor Authentication: Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts. This requires a confirmation code sent to your phone each time you log in, adding an extra layer of security to prevent phishing attacks and credential theft.
  2. Avoid Clicking on Email Links: If you receive an email promoting a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Instead of clicking on the link, visit the website directly and search for the offer. If you can’t find it, you’ve likely avoided a scam.
  3. Verify Contact Information and Reviews: Before booking any property online, ensure that contact information and reviews are readily available. Have other verified users stayed at the property? If so, it's less likely to be a scam.
  4. Use Credit Cards for Online Purchases: Using debit cards linked directly to your bank account can be risky. If theft occurs, it’s difficult to recover your money—if you get it back at all. Credit cards provide an additional layer of protection against fraud.

The most important thing is to stay vigilant. Analyze every email offer you receive and follow cybersecurity best practices. While standard security software can help detect some scam emails, it’s crucial to remain cautious and look for red flags.

By following these best practices, you can protect yourself from falling victim to vacation scams, ensuring your well-deserved break is both enjoyable and secure. Remember, while personal scams can ruin a vacation, business breaches can cost you and your family their livelihood. Taking proactive steps now can save you from significant losses later.

To keep your network secure and protect your business from cyber threats, call us at 413-786-9675 or click here to book a FREE 10-minute discovery call with our cybersecurity experts. We’ll help you create a plan that keeps you safe, allowing you to enjoy your vacation with peace of mind.

At NetWerks Strategic Services, we are here to help. Enjoy your well-deserved break this summer, and remember to be cybersmart.